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Here is some information on the Silver Lake Sisters, and how we are positioning their performance in the Hollywood Tower Hotel lobby.

 

EVENT is taking place in 1939

 

THE SILVER LAKE SISTERS

 

THEIR STORY

This 1930s-era eatery was established by Dolly, Dottie and Ethel Bounds, known professionally as Fiddler, Fifer & Practical (aka the Silver Lake Sisters). They spent a good part of their lives performing the vaudeville circuit, entertaining the troops in World War I and becoming minor celebrities in nightclubs along the then‐emerging Sunset Strip in Hollywood.

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After 20 years of singing, dancing and playing their instruments (Dolly on violin, Dottie on flute, Ethel on piano), the sisters decided to put down roots on Buena Vista Street. The idea came from Ethel, the practical one. She had always handled the trio’s business affairs and was constantly urging her sisters to settle down and open a legitimate business. They finally agreed, joining together to open Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café, with its name an homage to their act.

 

A wall inside the restaurant features photos, posters and memorabilia from the days when Dolly, Dottie and Ethel performed as Fiddler, Fifer & Practical – the Silver Lake Sisters. You can see them in publicity shots and in photos showing them performing on stage and relaxing or prepping backstage in their dressing rooms. A map of California shows the various places they’ve performed throughout the Golden State, and above the front window, marquee letters, spell out “Silver Lake Sisters.”

So the next time you’re getting a great deal on a square meal at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café, take a look around and discover the story of these talented ladies for yourself.

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THE EVENT STORY

The Silver Lake Sisters were often booked to play at the Tip Top Club - the swanky lounge at the top of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. This time, however, something unusual has occurred. The building is covered in scaffolding, and 'something odd' is happening with the elevators. The Tip Top Room has abruptly closed, and the Silver Lake Sisters have been relocated to the rundown lobby, where they will perform for the guests in the queue line. In addition, their instruments have been locked up upstairs, so they are accompanied by scratchy 78 rpm recordings played by the front desk manager (sound tech).

 

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Further Character Backstory

 

The women are not wealthy. The Great Depression is ending the year our story takes place.

 

They are truly sisters. They know each other so very well, love each other deeply, but know how to push each other’s buttons.

 

ETHEL, Alto - the oldest. Pragmatic, in charge. In charge of the Books at the cafe.

 

DOLLY, Sop 1 -  the middle child. Always seeking attention. Little bit of a flirt. Front of House at the cafe.

 

DOTTIE, Sop 2 -  the baby. Sweet, sensitive, a little off the mark. Cook at the cafe.

 

and JOE/SALLY, a mighty helpful sound tech. 

 

 

1939 Acting Style

 

Take a look at these old movie clips for inspiration and vocal production, etc.

 

Note: the actors spoke quickly, at a crisp clip

 

Actors had an artificial affectation to their voices. Female actors spoke with a demure, passive, sex kitten quality.

 

1940

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMGMmv-DRO4

 

1936 (Long clip, just skip around a bit)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5ISE4xuHAg